Category: Growing

Mastering the Art of Weed Trimming

Weed trimming should become a part of your weed-growing routine. And there are quite a few reasons supporting this claim. We know that trimming weed might not be the most fun activity out there, but it is a rewarding chore that will pay off in a richer taste and a higher price tag for your buds.

This blog aims to teach when to trim, how to do it like a pro, and when is the best time to manicure your weed flowers.

To Trim or Not to Trim?

Trimming cannabis essentially means removing the sugar leaves, stems, and branches from the buds and leaving the cannabis crop intact. You wouldn’t believe it, but cutting off the remains can actually improve the taste, flavour, and potency of your weed. Perfectly trimmed weed also has a better appearance allowing you to mark up the price.

Trimming sugar leaves is also a good way to reduce the chance of mould formation on your harvested weed buds right before drying. The leaves capture moisture in them and can create a suitable environment for mould to appear. You definitely want to avoid ruining something you’ve spent lots of time and money on.

When it comes to potency, there is really no way trimming can increase the strength of your buds. Although the excess leaves and branches contain no active cannabinoids, drying everything together may reduce the overall potency. If you want to have a concentrated THC level of the bud itself, it’s better to get rid of excess plant material.

The last advantage of weed trimming is the taste. We all want our weed to taste smooth and hit the right spot in our brain, but it’s hard to enjoy a joint when it’s irritating your throat with every puff. So, trimming cannabis equals a smoother taste and a reduction of the harshness of the weed.

Since we’re all on the same page about trimming, our next step is to master the technique of manicuring cannabis.

How to Trim Cannabis: Wet & Dry Trimming

There are two ways of trimming weed: before or after you dry it. Trimming cannabis before drying it is called wet trimming. Conversely, pruning dried weed buds is called dry trimming. Weed growers are divided when it comes to these two techniques. Let’s explore which one is better after all.

What Is Wet Trimming?

Trimming weed buds first thing after harvesting them is referred to as wet trimming. Once branches, leaves, and stems are carefully removed, neatly-stored cannabis buds can be put to drying. It is essential to note that you shouldn’t place a bud on a flat surface because, under its weight, it may lose its tear-drop shape.

When wet trimming, you can start at the bottom of the cannabis bud and meticulously make your way up to the peak of the weed flower. As soon as you are happy with your results and perfectly round, picture-like buds, you can prep them for drying.

Why Wet Trim Cannabis?

One of the reasons growers opt for wet trimming is that they can fit more cannabis buds on a rack. Other benefits include mould prevention and fast drying. So, if you are in a rush to stock up on dry weed, go for wet trimming.

Why Avoid Wet Weed Trimming?

Some growers stay away from wet trimming only because this method incurs a higher cost of labour. Think about it – trimmers get paid by the pound, and foliage holds water that adds up to the total weight.

Pros & Cons of Wet Trimming

What Is Dry Trimming?

Pruning cannabis when the buds are fully dried is called a dry trim. Untrimmed buds take a few days longer to dry. The process of trimming is exactly the same when weed flowers are manicured fresh. Trimmers start at the base and work their way to the top, removing sugar leaves and stems. The only problem is that curled leaves may be slightly harder and more time-consuming to trim.

Why Dry Trim Cannabis?

It is believed that when cannabis dries slowly, its flavour remains. Unlike wet trimming, the sap can be released, and some of the flavours can also be lost when leaves are cut fresh.

The flavour isn’t the only advantage of dry trimming. The odour isn’t as hay-like as when you trim fresh buds before drying. This could be due to the longer drying period.

Weed growers opt for a dry trimming method when they aren’t worried about mould formation and grow their cannabis in a low-humid environment.

Why Avoid Dry Weed Trimming?

Only professional trimmers should handle dry trimming. The weed buds are so fragile when fully dried that it’s very easy to remove parts that contain THC and flavour.

Unlike wet-trimmed buds, dry-trimmed buds take up more space, so be ready to free up a room with multiple racks to hand your harvest.

Pros & Cons of Dry Trimming

Weed Trimming Tools

Before you get to trimming, you should have:

• Sharp scissors for trimming buds and pruners for cutting big branches
• Disposable gloves
• Clean working space
• Tray or a bowl

How to Hand-Trim Buds?

As mentioned before, dry and wet trimming follow the same step:

1. Grab pruners to cut off branches and divide the plant into smaller pieces. If you dry trim cannabis, let it dry for a few days and then proceed to the next step.
2. Green foliage has little to no active cannabinoids, so you can cut them off.
3. Next is the step to separate buds from the branches. Place buds in a container or a bowl to store them.
4. Work on each bud separately. If you end up with big buds, it would be better to break them down into smaller buds for faster drying. Trim the stem, cut the leaves, and remove unnecessary foliage as carefully as possible.

Final Word

Trimming cannabis enhances its flavour, odour, and THC concentration. Whether you do it before or after drying purely depends on your personal preference. The wet and dry trimming has a few distinctions, and weed enthusiasts can’t really choose which one offers a smoothing smoking experience. Some say dry trimming may taste harsher but wet trimming may offer lower THC concentration with other active compounds.

In short, wet trimming prevents mould formation while also speeding up the drying process. On the other hand, dry trimming offers a balanced drying process that preserves the taste and flavour.

If you harvest and dry your weed buds in a room with high humidity, then your best course of action is to wet-trim cannabis. In contrast, you may want to switch to dry trimming if the humidity level is below 45%.

Regardless of which method you choose, make sure you or your trimmers have the proper equipment and try to remove green foliage without damaging the precious bud.

Navigating the Different Stages of Weed Growth

If you want to start growing cannabis, then you probably already know that this process requires a lot of research and preparation before you can dive into actually planting the seeds and tending to your plants. It might be less difficult than cultivating other, more demanding plants, but the idea that growing top-shelf weed is easy is a major misconception. 

While you don’t have to be a full-time gardener to be able to grow weed successfully, you’ll still need to put in quite a bit of work into ensuring that your plants come out exactly the way they’re intended to. Knowing about the different stages of weed growth and what are the specific requirements of your plant during each stage can go a long way in terms of properly tending to your plants. In this article, we’ll go over each cannabis growth stage in detail. By the time you’re done reading, you’ll have a solid understanding of the work you’ll need to put in every step of the way. 

How Long to Grow a Marijuana Plant?

The entire duration of the growth process of your weed plant will depend on a number of factors, such as seed type, strain, and growing conditions. Generally, it takes anywhere between 10 and 32 weeks. In other words, you’re going to have to wait 3-8 months to see (and smoke) the results of your hard work. This is not to say that all it takes is just planting the seeds in the soil and watering them from time to time. If you want to harvest high-quality buds, you should check in on your plants every single day, ensuring that they get enough sun and remain at the right temperature at all times. 

Your plants will also grow differently depending on whether you grow them indoors or outdoors. Indoor growing generally gives you a lot more flexibility when it comes to creating exactly the right environment for plants to yield the most flowers. On the other hand, indoor growing kits and equipment are quite expensive and require a lot of space. Not everybody has the money and living conditions to set up an indoor growing environment. 

For those people, going outdoors is pretty much the only way to go about growing weed. While it’s a perfectly fine approach, it opens you up to a whole lot of additional factors, such as weather changes, insects, and a myriad of other things that could potentially stunt the growth of your weed plants.  

Stages of Weed Growth: An Overview

There are four main growing stages of weed: 

• Germination (3-10 days): that’s when your seed starts sprouting,
• Seedling (2-3 weeks): during this stage, you’ll begin to see the taproot and the very first set of leaves,
• Vegetative (3-16 weeks): a key phase, when your cannabis plant will form its core structure, start branching, and extend its roots,
• Flowering (7-9 weeks): the final stage when the plant develops the thing you’ve been waiting for since the beginning: the flower buds.

Below, we’ll take a look at each one of these stages in more detail, outlining some of the main things you need to take into account when tending to your plants at each stage of weed.

Germination 

Germination is the first stage of marijuana plant growth, where the seed begins to sprout and develop into a seedling. This process typically takes between 3 to 10 days, depending on the strain and environmental conditions. To ensure successful germination, follow these steps:

1. Choose high-quality seeds: Selecting seeds from a reputable source is crucial for successful germination. Look for seeds with a dark brown or black color and a hard shell.
2. Prepare a moist environment: Cannabis seeds require a moist environment to germinate. You can use a paper towel, peat pellets, or a seedling starter tray. Moisten the chosen medium and place the seeds about an inch apart.
3. Maintain optimal temperature and humidity: The ideal temperature for germination is between 70-80°F (21-27°C), while the relative humidity should be around 70%. Use a heat mat and a humidity dome to maintain these conditions.
4. Monitor the seeds: Check the seeds daily for signs of germination, such as the emergence of a taproot. Once the taproot is visible, it’s time to transplant the seedling into a suitable growing medium.

Seedling 

The seedling stage begins once the taproot emerges from the seed and lasts for about 2 to 3 weeks. During this stage, the plant develops its first set of leaves, called cotyledons, followed by its true leaves. To care for seedlings, follow these guidelines:

1. Provide adequate light: Seedlings require 18-24 hours of light per day. Use a full-spectrum LED or fluorescent light, positioned 2-4 inches above the seedlings to prevent stretching.
2. Maintain proper temperature and humidity: Keep the temperature between 68-77°F (20-25°C), and the humidity at roughly 60-70%. Adjust your heat mat and humidity dome accordingly.
3. Water cautiously: Overwatering can lead to root rot and other issues. Water the seedlings sparingly, ensuring the growing medium remains moist but not saturated.
4. Monitor for pests and diseases: Inspect your seedlings regularly for signs of pests or diseases, and address any issues promptly.

Vegetative 

The vegetative stage is a crucial phase in the life cycle of a cannabis plant, as it is when the plant focuses on developing its structure, including roots, branches, and leaves. This stage typically lasts between 3 to 16 weeks, depending on the strain and growing conditions. During this time, the plant requires specific care and attention to ensure healthy growth and a successful transition to the flowering stage.

1. Lighting: During the vegetative stage, cannabis plants require ample light to support their growth. Provide 18 to 24 hours of light per day, using full-spectrum grow lights that mimic natural sunlight. This will encourage the plant to grow strong branches and large leaves, which are essential for photosynthesis.
2. Temperature and Humidity: Maintain a consistent temperature between 70-85°F (21-29°C) and a relative humidity of 40-70%. This will create an optimal environment for the plant’s growth and help prevent issues such as mold and pests.
3. Nutrients: Cannabis plants require a balanced mix of nutrients during the vegetative stage, with a focus on nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium (N-P-K). Use a nutrient solution specifically designed for the vegetative stage, and follow the manufacturer’s instructions for proper dosage. Additionally, ensure that the pH of the nutrient solution is between 5.5 and 6.5 for optimal nutrient absorption.
4. Watering: Water your cannabis plants regularly, ensuring that the soil remains consistently moist but not waterlogged. Overwatering can lead to a whole host of problems for your plant, so it’s essential to monitor the moisture level of the soil and adjust your watering schedule accordingly.
5. Pruning and Training: Regular pruning and training during the vegetative stage can help maximize the plant’s yield during the flowering stage. Techniques such as topping, low-stress training (LST), and screen of green (SCROG) can help create an even canopy and encourage the growth of multiple colas.

Flowering 

The flowering stage typically lasts between 7 to 9 weeks, depending on the strain of cannabis being grown. This is when the plant grows the highly sought-after buds. Indica strains generally have a shorter flowering period, ranging from 7 to 8 weeks, while sativa strains may take 9 to 10 weeks or more. It is crucial to be familiar with the specific strain you are growing, as this will help you determine the optimal time to harvest your plants.

During the flowering stage, cannabis plants require specific environmental conditions to thrive. One of the most important factors is the light cycle. To initiate flowering, cannabis plants need a 12-hour light and 12-hour dark cycle. This shift in light exposure mimics the natural change in daylight hours that occurs during the fall season, signaling to the plant that it is time to produce flowers.

Temperature and humidity also play a significant role in the flowering stage. Ideal temperatures range from 65 to 80 degrees Fahrenheit (18 to 26 degrees Celsius), with a slight drop in temperature during the dark period. Humidity levels should be gradually reduced throughout the flowering stage, starting at around 50% and decreasing to 40% by the final weeks. This reduction in humidity helps prevent mold and mildew growth, which can be detrimental to your plants.

Proper care during the flowering stage is crucial for a successful harvest. Here are some key tips to keep in mind:

1. Nutrient management: Cannabis plants require different nutrients during the flowering stage compared to the vegetative stage. Specifically, they need higher levels of phosphorus and potassium, which promote bud development. Be sure to use a nutrient solution specifically formulated for the flowering stage and follow the manufacturer’s instructions for proper application.
2. Pruning: Pruning your plants during the flowering stage can help direct energy towards bud production. Remove any dead or yellowing leaves, as well as any small, underdeveloped buds that are unlikely to mature fully. This will allow the plant to focus its resources on the larger, more promising buds.
3. Support: As buds grow and become heavier, branches may require additional support to prevent them from breaking. Use stakes, trellises, or other support structures to help keep your plants upright and ensure proper airflow around the buds.
4. Monitoring: Keep a close eye on your plants during the flowering stage, checking for signs of pests, diseases, or nutrient deficiencies. Address any issues promptly to prevent them from impacting the health and yield of your plants.

By understanding the nuances of the flowering stage and providing your cannabis plants with the proper care and attention, you can maximize your chances of a bountiful harvest. Remember that patience and diligence are key, as the flowering stage is the culmination of your efforts in growing weed.

Outdoor vs. Indoor Growing: Main Differences

While the growing stages of weed remain the same regardless of whether you grow indoor or outdoor plants, you will inevitably encounter some key differences between the final products depending on where you choose to grow them. 

For starters, because of the lack of indoor constraints, outdoor plants usually tend to grow much larger than indoor-grown weed plants. Therefore, your outdoor yield could turn out to be much higher than if you chose to cultivate your weed inside. However, high quantity doesn’t necessarily mean high quality. 

Indoor-grown buds have a reputation for being prettier, more dense, and overall better than their outdoor counterparts. Thanks to the highly controllable environments they grow in, they won’t look as worn-out and dark-colored as outdoor weed, which has to withstand all sorts of weather conditions, pests, and dirt before harvesting. The outdoor conditions also affect the flavor of weed – indoor buds will tend to come out tasting much better, and won’t smell of dirt as much as outdoor weed.

With all that said, however, it’s important to note that outdoor pot isn’t necessarily worse than indoor strains in terms of getting you high. After all, that depends on the THC content of the plant, which remains unchanged regardless of where it was grown. 

Final Thoughts 

Cannabis, just like any other plant, goes through a number of different plant stages before it is fully grown. You need to tend to it carefully at every step of the process if you want to enjoy delicious, high-inducing buds once the harvesting time rolls around. Aside from proper care when your plant is growing, one of the main factors affecting the quality of your weed are the seeds you plant. If you’re on the lookout for some top-shelf cannabis seeds, flower, or anything else weed-related, visit our website – we’ve got you covered!